Gender differences in the association between parental divorce during childhood and stroke in adulthood: findings from a population-based survey.

Background: Although there is a substantial literature examining the mental health consequences of parental divorce, less attention has been paid to possible long-term physical health outcomes.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the gender-specific association between childhood parental divorce and later incidence of stroke, while controlling for age, race ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, diabetes, social support, marital status, mental health, and health care utilization.

Methods: Secondary analysis of the population-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey; logistic regression analyses were conducted.